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| ear·nest [ úrnəst ] |
adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. serious and solemn: intensely or excessively serious and grave in manner or attitude
 an earnest expression
 earnest discussions about privacy and propriety
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2. done in deeply sincere way: undertaken or made in a spirit of deep sincerity and conviction, or with deep feeling
 He interrupted me with an earnest assurance of help and support.
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| [ Old English eornost< Germanic] |
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 ear·nest·ly adverb |
 ear·nest·ness noun |
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in earnest
1. serious and sincere in your actions, words, or intentions
 Is she in earnest?
2. in a determined and purposeful way
 Now the campaign would begin in earnest.
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